Chapter 18: Item Three

The board met at ten on Wednesday, and I was not allowed in.

I sat on a bench in the fourth floor corridor of the Hartford building, with the boardroom's glass wall in front of me.

The director in the red tie had asked for the meeting by letter.

His note had said only: Item three. Bring nothing. Stay in the hall.

Tobias had gone in at five to ten, in a clean shirt, with the signature sheet in a folder.

The woman in the gray suit had held the door for him.

Through the glass I could see the long walnut table and the seven leather chairs on each side.

Margaret sat at the head in black, with her pearls on.

She had read the agenda, and she was smiling.

At two minutes past ten the elevator opened.

Colin stepped out in a charcoal suit, with a fresh haircut and a tie his mother had picked.

He saw me on the bench and slowed down.

"Laurel," he said. "Mother says it's a formality. They're confirming me as acting president."

"Is that what she said?"

"She said the old guard is nervous and needs a name on the door."

He smiled, a little too wide.

"It'll be over in ten minutes."

"Good luck, Colin."

I meant it, which surprised me.

He pushed the glass door open and walked in smiling.

The door swung shut behind him but did not latch, and I heard everything.

The red tie cleared his throat.

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